Utility back Damien Traille was so stunned to benamed on the bench for Sundays Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand thathe thought there had been a mistake when his name was read out.

Trailles World Cup appeared to be over when he was dropped for threematches following the 37-17 pool stage loss to the All Blacks, but coach MarcLievremont surprisingly recalled him Friday among the reserves to face the AllBlacks.

It was a big surprise to me when they named the reserves I eventhought it was an error when they read my name out, Traille said. I didnthold out much hope of being in the squad, especially since Marc had made itclear after the quarterfinal that he was looking for stability.

But Trailles ability to play in several roles, his vast experience, and hisdefensive kicking have worked in his favor for the final.

The 32-year-old Traille has scored 15 tries in 85 tests for France, and alsoplayed in the 2007 quarterfinal win over the All Blacks, when his excellentkicking in general play from fullback helped take the pressure off the defense.

It was pure selection, Damien is a big game player. He had an outstandinggame that day in 2007, defense coach David Ellis said. Weve got a fewleft-footers in the team. Damien is a right-footer, so he gives the extraoption, but he could also use him at No. 10, in at center or at fullback, sotheres various different options.

Lievremont waited until Friday to name his reserves bench, three days afterconfirming the same starting XV he has used throughout the knockout stage.

Traille takes the place of fullback Cedric Heymans, who drops out of the22-man match squad.

Elsewhere on the bench, Lievremont has kept the same reserves who were onthe bench for the 9-8 semifinal win over Wales, with flyhalf Francois Trinh-Ducand utility halfback Jean-Marc Doussain providing cover for Dimitri Yachvili andMorgan Parra.

There appeared little chance Traille would return after he was publiclycritical of Lievremonts decision to take him off at halftime during the defeatto the All Blacks.

There was a lot of debate about what I had said, that I didnt get anyexplanation from Marc. I got one afterward, so things were clear between us,Traille said. Then, after that, it was a question of sporting choice. So I hadnothing to say about it. But I showed a lot of commitment in training every weekand wanted to show I deserved a place, even though the squad (seemed to be) setin place until the end. Now Ive got my reward.

Traille admits the solitude did get to him, and the other players who havefound themselves shut out.

I went through a lot of (emotions). Disappointment after coming off athalftime against the All Blacks, and staying in the stands for so long, hesaid. We drank a few (beers) to forget Im disappointed for those who arenot in the squad, I know how it feels. Its very hard to watch from the stands,but weve said since the beginning that we all have to stick together.

Traille is desperate to be involved at some stage in the final, although headmits he is a bit rusty.

Of course I want to come on. Its difficult being a reserve, you neverknow when youre going to come on, he said. Nothing replaces games, you canbe as fit as you want, that doesnt make up for it.

France: Maxime Medard, Vincent Clerc, Aurelien Rougerie, Maxime Mermoz,Alexis Palisson, Morgan Parra, Dimitri Yachvili; Imanol Harinordoquy, JulienBonnaire, Thierry Dusautoir (captain), Lionel Nallet, Pascal Pape, Nicolas Mas,William Servat, Jean-Baptiste Poux. Reserves: Dimitri Szarzewski, FabienBarcella, Julien Pierre, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Jean-Marc Doussain, FrancoisTrinh-Duc, Damien Traille.